ExplorePlants

western stoneseed

Lithospermum ruderale

The western stoneseed is a special plant with bright yellow flowers. It grows in sunny places and has seeds that can be used to make a natural dye!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The western stoneseed has hairy stems and narrow, fuzzy leaves. It produces clusters of small, trumpet-shaped flowers that range from greenish-yellow to bright yellow. Its seeds are hard, smooth, and gray-brown, resembling tiny pebbles.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderBoraginalesFamilyBoraginaceaeGenusLithospermum
western stoneseed
flowering trait badgedye trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badgegrassland trait badge
western stoneseed

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its super smooth seeds feel like tiny, polished stones, giving the plant its name!

Native Americans once used parts of this tough plant for traditional medicines.

Some people call it "lemonweed" because its crushed leaves have a slightly citrusy scent!

The western stoneseed's little flowers actually change color as they mature!

Special abilities

Ability

Super-Hard Seeds

Western stoneseed has extremely hard, stony seeds that can survive dry spells, waiting years for perfect conditions to sprout!

Ability

Fuzzy Moisture Trapper

Western stoneseed has fuzzy leaves that help trap moisture and reduce water loss, essential for its dry habitats.

Ability

Deep Water Hunter

Western stoneseed can grow a long taproot, reaching deep into the soil to find water during droughts.

Measurements & details

Height
10-60 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring-early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

honey bee

Apis mellifera

its small yellow flowers attract these busy insects

pollinates

Vosnesensky's bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

a native bumblebee species visits its blooms

eaten by

mule deer

Odocoileus hemionus

mule deer browse on its leaves and stems

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is western stoneseed?

10-60 cm

How wide does western stoneseed spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on western stoneseed?

0.5-1 cm

When does western stoneseed bloom?

Spring-early summer

Is western stoneseed edible?

No

Is western stoneseed toxic?

Mild

What is western stoneseed's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is western stoneseed pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants